CISAC advances copyright and music industry growth at the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria

CISAC Vice President Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Regional Director Samuel Sangwa, took part in the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) held in Algiers, to advance copyright discussions and support the growth of Africa's music ecosystem. The delegation engaged policymakers, moderated key industry discussions, and empowered young creators through educational workshops.

Strengthening partnerships with Algeria

During a high-level meeting with Zouhir Ballalou, Algeria's Minister of Culture and Arts, CISAC reaffirmed its support for Algeria's collective management society, the Office National du Droit d'Auteur et des Droits Voisins (ONDA), and its ongoing development. The delegation commended the Ministry's efforts in copyright enforcement and highlighted the potential for Algeria to lead policy discussions at the continental level, by positioning copyright as a driver of socioeconomic development.

Minister Ballalou expressed that Algeria is committed to working alongside CISAC to ensure the sustainable growth of copyright royalties in Algeria, benefitting local creators and strengthening the cultural economy.

Protecting Intellectual Property in the Africa music industry

At the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) organised within the framework of the IATF 2025, CISAC's Regional Director Samuel Sangwa moderated a panel discussion titled "Music and Intellectual Property (IP) in Africa: From Protection to Prosperity" with experts from IFPI Africa, Afreximbank, ONDA, and CAPASSO. The panel emphasised Africa's vibrant but underexploited music market and outlined strategies that can position the continent as a global forerunner in music rights and innovation.

Discussions included:

• The need for stronger copyright laws and enforcement
• Centralised digital licensing and better metadata systems
• Protection of African works from unauthorised AI use
• Greater investment and policy leadership from institutions such as the African Union and Afreximbank

Empowering Africa's next generation of creators

At CANEX, CISAC Vice President Yvonne Chaka Chaka delivered an inspiring masterclass to students of Alhan Wa Chabab, one of Algeria's landmark television talent shows.

Chaka Chaka encouraged students to approach their craft with both creativity and business acumen reminding them that understanding copyright is essential to building sustainable careers.

Afreximbank and CANEX awarded the CISAC Copyright Friendly Label

During the event, Afreximbank and CANEX were awarded the CISAC Copyright Friendly Label by CISAC and ONDA. The award, recognised Afreximbank's commitment to pay copyright fees for events and integrate copyright compliance into its procurement policies.